Latest news with #WWE-contracted
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Trick Williams: From HBCU Football to Wrestling Royalty
In a history-making moment that stunned the professional wrestling world, Trick Williams-real name Matrick Belton-etched his name into the record books by becoming the first WWE-contracted superstar to win the TNA World Championship. The victory, which occurred at NXT Battleground on May 25, 2025, is not just a milestone for Williams but also a cultural moment for HBCUs, highlighting the often-overlooked path from HBCU athletics to global superstardom. Williams began his athletic career in HBCU football at Hampton University. In 2012, he played wide receiver for the Pirates football team, making modest on-field contributions-four catches for 33 yards across six games, including a memorable 20-yard reception against Florida A&M. Though he remained on the roster in 2013, playing time eluded him. That didn't dim his drive. Williams later transferred to the University of South Carolina, where his athletic prowess blossomed. In 2015, he earned a starting role with the Gamecocks, logging 11 receptions for 121 yards. While his college football numbers weren't earth-shattering, his physical gifts and drive attracted NFL attention, and he received a minicamp invite from the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. But fate had a different arena in mind. In early 2021, Williams signed with WWE and reported to its NXT brand. With charisma that lit up the screen and a physicality rooted in years of football, it wasn't long before he captivated fans and rose through the ranks. In just a few short years, he became NXT North American Champion and then captured the NXT Championship twice-cementing his place as one of WWE's hottest rising stars. Yet it was his crossover victory at NXT Battleground that shifted the wrestling landscape. Facing TNA's Joe Hendry, Williams shocked the industry by winning the TNA World Championship, a belt historically held by legends like Kurt Angle, AJ Styles, and Sting. No WWE-contracted wrestler had ever done it before. Williams sealed the deal with his devastating finisher-"The Trick Shot"-after strategically using the title belt during the match. The moment drew comparisons to classic wrestling invasions and crossovers, but this wasn't just storyline chaos. It was a career-defining statement. The fallout from the win was immediate and unforgettable. Williams declared himself the "face of TNA" on WWE programming, cheekily rebranding the belt as the "TrickNA Championship." His swagger wasn't just for show-he issued open challenges to wrestling icons like AJ Styles and Kurt Angle, signaling he had no intention of playing it safe with his newly claimed title. Up next: Williams will defend his TrickNA crown against Mike Santana, a respected veteran with something to prove. The feud has already ignited online buzz, with fans speculating whether Williams's crossover reign is just beginning-or nearing a dramatic end. For Hampton University and the broader HBCU community, Trick Williams's meteoric rise serves as a powerful reminder of the talent cultivated within historically Black colleges and universities. His journey-from catching passes on the Pirates' gridiron to lifting one of professional wrestling's most storied titles-is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief. HBCU athletes have long faced an uphill battle for national recognition, often overlooked by mainstream media and professional leagues. Williams's success breaks that mold. His story isn't just about athletic transition-it's about cultural elevation. He represents a new generation of HBCU alumni making waves in unconventional arenas. With WWE and TNA both placing their chips on his star power, Trick Williams is now in rare air. He's proven he can draw eyes, generate headlines, and deliver in high-pressure moments. Whether his future holds more title unifications, a main roster debut, or headlining WrestleMania, one thing is certain-Trick Williams is no longer just a rising star. He's the moment. And for HBCUs across the country, his triumph is more than just a win. It's a shining example of where grit, charisma, and HBCU pride can take you, even to the very top of the wrestling world. The post Trick Williams: From HBCU Football to Wrestling Royalty appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Metro
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Groundbreaking WWE star hails TNA championship as 'best in all of wrestling'
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video WWE superstar Trick Williams has blasted fans for TNA Wrestling 'outsiders' over him. The 31-year-old star made history last month by becoming the first ever WWE-contracted wrestler to win the TNA Wrestling World Championship, which he'll defend tonight at Against All Odds. He'll be taking on Elijah, AKA Elias, after beating TNA's Mike Santana on NXT earlier this week, and Trick exclusively told Metro how he's embracing his hectic schedule and enjoying performing for a new crowd. 'Shoot, that's what I want, you know? I mean, I want to see many people as possible. I don't want to get stuck in just the Performance Center,' he admitted. 'I love the Performance Center. They've been great to me – but shoot, as we can see, they can turn on you any minute. I gave blood, sweat and tears for four years. 'Look at them now, they're cheering for Mike Santana, an outsider. Ain't been here, ain't got his feet wet! So, yeah, I want to go see other people. Orlando's been good to me, but shoot, they change… I'll change up too.' The two-time NXT Champion, who also has a run with the NXT North American Title to his name, also insisted he isn't simply carrying on the TNA World Championship legacy. The prestigious title has been held by the likes of Kurt Angle, Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, LA Knight, Nick Aldis and maybe more over the years, but Trick isn't looking at the past. 'I ain't continuing nothing. I'm starting my own legacy. I mean, you're right – Kurt Angle had the title, LA Knight had the title, Bubba Ray Dudley had the title. 'We can go all day, but the thing is, has it ever been a big of a deal as it is right now? I mean, the TNA Title is literally the best title to have in all of wrestling today.' On-screen, fans have seen Trick bring hip-hop into his wrestling persona, 'dropping diss tracks' on the likes of former champ Joe Hendry and Santana. 'I just moved into a house, and as I'm moving and packing, I found a journal that I had since sixth grade, of my raps that I was writing way back in the day,' he beamed. 'I'm really doing this on TV now, I'm dropping diss tracks on my opponents. Who would have known that skill, or that passion, something I love so long ago, was gonna be something that I use to humiliate my opponents?' His next challenger is superstar Elijah (AKA Elias), who has dealt with his rivals in a similar way across WWE and TNA. When it comes to actually getting in the ring, Trick isn't fazed. 'I've known him for a while. He's a strong guy. He's an athlete. He's wise beyond his years. He's swole, he done put on some weight, he looks good,' he said. 'Truth is, there's one Trick Williams. [Elijah] straps on his boots same way I strap on my boots. I'm ready to go to war.' Trick's been well-prepped for moments like this, under the tutelage of NXT boss and WWE icon Shawn Michaels. 'I've been working for him for four or five years now, and it's just cool to see our relationship actually grow,' he added. 'I get to sit down with him now, and the feeling of him actually trusting me to go out there and do what I'm supposed to do. [But] I don't know if I got all this trust yet.' Another key figure for Trick has been Booker T, another Hall of Famer who has been vocal behind the scenes – and the commentary desk. More Trending 'He's been a great mentor for me,' he said. 'He verbalises all the support every single week, that's just an extension of who he truly is and how he helps me behind the scenes.' Now, Trick is repaying that faith by representing WWE with TNA gold around his waist. 'TNA is a magical place,' he admitted. 'I'm able to spread my wings and be exactly who I always wanted to be. Even more so now you've put his gold on me, you really can't tell me nothing! My head is all the way through the building.' View More » Against All Odds airs tonight at 3am on TNA+. Watch WWE NXT every Tuesday night at 1am live on Netflix. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: WWE Money In The Bank 2025 UK start time for Netflix live stream MORE: Why legendary Friends star decided to quit Hollywood for unexpected career change MORE: WWE x AAA Worlds Collide 2025 UK start time for YouTube live stream
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Trick Williams wins TNA Championship at WWE Background, making history
Trick Williams secured a historic victory at WWE NXT Battleground on 26th May 2025, becoming the first WWE-contracted star to win the TNA World Title. The former NXT Champion triumphed over Joe Hendry in a controversial match, marking a monumental moment in wrestling history. Williams, who had previously held the NXT title, defeated Hendry under contentious circumstances, but that didn't overshadow the significance of his achievement. After his victory, Williams celebrated in a unique fashion by mocking Hendry's iconic pose. A backstage video shared by WWE on X (formerly Twitter) showed Williams performing the famous turn and stance while holding the TNA World Title. He captioned the post with a confident 'Let's talk about it!' However, Hendry is unlikely to take his loss lightly. The match was filled with drama as Williams introduced the TNA Title into the ring, intending to strike Hendry with it. While Hendry was down, the referee intervened to prevent the use of the belt. In a twist, Hendry attempted a quick pinfall, but Williams kicked out. The former NXT Champion then slammed Hendry onto the title and secured the win with a running knee. Hendry's reaction remains to be seen, but fans can expect a fiery response, possibly on the next episode of NXT or Impact. The disgruntled champion may demand a rematch, accusing Williams and the referee of underhanded tactics in the title loss. As the wrestling world watches closely, the next chapter in this heated rivalry is sure to unfold.
